Regulus

Regulus was a Roman commander during the first Punic War with Carthage. Leading an army into Africa in 256 B.C., he won the Battle of Adys after which Carthage tried to sue for peace. The terms Regulus offered were so severe the Carthage continued the war. Regulus was then captured at the Battle of Tunes in 255 B.C. and held by Carthage. In 251 B.C. Carthage again made peace overtures with the Romans and sent out Regulus, on parole, to at least negotiate a prisoner exchange even if satisfactory peace terms could not be reached. Regulus told his countrymen to reject both proposals. He then honored the terms of his parole by voluntarily returning to Carthage where he was tortured to death.